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A review by bennysbooks
The Mystery of the Painted Fan by Linda Trinh
5.0
My local indie bookstore recently created a display of books that have been shadowbanned by our city's catholic school board. My partner took our son to pick one out, and he chose this book. We loved it!
After reading, I'm guessing it's been banned because one character mentions a GSA, and because the main character is a kid who likes pink and dancing, and is looking for/finds acceptance from family and friends. Having grown up in catholic schools, it seems to me that this book warm-heartedly teaches children the very values catholic schools *claim* to hold dear. Yet because the kindness and acceptance being practiced is directed at a kid whose interests display a possible proximity to queerness, it is deemed inappropriate for children. Which is why these schools need to be defunded. As a nonbinary adult, I can say with confidence that if I'd had access to books as a child that even hinted that gender nonconformity existed in any meaningful way, I could have saved myself years of struggle. But the growing religious fanatics on the right would prefer that kids like me continue to struggle. Which is lovely.
It is also a fantastic introduction to Vietnamese culture, as it highlights Vietnamese holidays, garments, art, language, and ancestor worship. My kid loved learning about the Vietnamese zodiac through the fan, and we watched some videos of fan dances after finishing the book.
Anyway, definitely recommend this one. My kid gave it his 5 star approval, and has now asked if we can read every book in the series.
After reading, I'm guessing it's been banned because one character mentions a GSA, and because the main character is a kid who likes pink and dancing, and is looking for/finds acceptance from family and friends. Having grown up in catholic schools, it seems to me that this book warm-heartedly teaches children the very values catholic schools *claim* to hold dear. Yet because the kindness and acceptance being practiced is directed at a kid whose interests display a possible proximity to queerness, it is deemed inappropriate for children. Which is why these schools need to be defunded. As a nonbinary adult, I can say with confidence that if I'd had access to books as a child that even hinted that gender nonconformity existed in any meaningful way, I could have saved myself years of struggle. But the growing religious fanatics on the right would prefer that kids like me continue to struggle. Which is lovely.
It is also a fantastic introduction to Vietnamese culture, as it highlights Vietnamese holidays, garments, art, language, and ancestor worship. My kid loved learning about the Vietnamese zodiac through the fan, and we watched some videos of fan dances after finishing the book.
Anyway, definitely recommend this one. My kid gave it his 5 star approval, and has now asked if we can read every book in the series.